City in Arizona Pitches a Spring Move

There is a pitch in the works, and it might be in the Dodger wheelhouse.

Officials from Goodyear, Ariz., recently sent a letter to the team about moving its spring-training operation from Vero Beach, Fla., to a new $65-million facility a few miles west of Phoenix.

Discussions are in the preliminary stages and Goodyear is courting at least one other team that trains in Florida -- probably the Boston Red Sox. But there is considerable sentiment in the Dodger hierarchy to move from the Grapefruit League to the Cactus League.

“We are routinely approached by individuals wanting to do business with the Dodgers, and this falls into that category,” Dodger spokeswoman Camille Johnston said.

The Dodgers have held spring training at Dodgertown in Vero Beach since 1948 and last contemplated leaving in 2001. Indian River County and the city of Vero Beach responded by purchasing Dodgertown for $11 million, pouring $8 million into renovations and leasing the property back to the team through 2021 for $1 a year.

The Dodgers would have to repay nearly all of the $19 million if they left Dodgertown, an amount some team officials believe could be recouped in operating costs by holding spring training in Arizona. An increase in attendance would be expected -- Holman Stadium holds only 6,500 -- and travel costs would decrease.

A month ago the Goodyear City Council chose a 240-acre parcel near proposed major freeways for the 10,000-seat stadium and adjoining practice fields. JMI Sports, the development firm for the San Diego Padres’ Petco Park, was retained to do the work. City voters passed a $10-million bond to start the project.

Two other cities near Phoenix -- Glendale and Casa Grande -- want to attract teams for spring training, an indication Goodyear might be willing to make the Dodgers an offer that would be difficult to ignore.

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Cody Ross will always have Pittsburgh. But he probably is no longer a Dodger.

The outfielder who belted a grand slam and a three-run home run against the Pirates on Thursday was designated for assignment, meaning the Dodgers have 10 days to trade, waive or release him.

General Manager Ned Colletti has been trying for weeks to trade Ross, but even a seven-for-14 showing with the Dodgers -- including the big game against Pittsburgh -- hasn’t generated interest.

Ultimately the Dodgers thought five outfielders were enough and an extra infielder was needed. Jeff Kent’s beaning Sunday underscored that point, and infielder Oscar Robles was called up from triple-A Las Vegas, where he was hitting .250.

Robles played primarily third base and shortstop as a rookie last season after his contract was purchased from the Mexican League in May, but he played second base at Las Vegas.